Condensation Polymerization



By: Paul & Langston


Basic Information



A condensation polymer is a polymer formed by a condensation reaction. A polymer is a set of large molecules that link together and create a long chain in one direction. (Crystals would not be a polymer because it because it creates a 3 dimensional chain in all directions.) A condensation reaction is when an end hydrogen from one compound meets with an OH from another compound and creates water. Hence forth the word condensation. Often the leftovers from the condensation can come together and create a new compound.


Reaction Examples

Condensation Reaction

con_poly_1

2-amino-acidsb.png





Reaction mechanism

Nucleophilic acyl substitution

351px-AcylSubstitution.svg.png
The leaving group (L) in this reaction would be the OH in the Carboxylic acid. The nucleuophile (Nu) would be the Amine. The OH and the H combine to make water. The leftovers come together to become an Amide.








References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condensation_reaction
http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/sciences/chemistry/organicchemistry/Organicindex/Polymers/Condensation/Condensation.htm
http://www.materialsworldmodules.org/resources/polimarization/4-condensation.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleophilic_acyl_substitution